David Chang is a creator—a creator of products, services, strategy, and implementation.

He is president and CEO of the following companies: GreenTech Pacific, a company selling energy efficient technologies; PowerH2O, a premium water bottle company; WealthBridge, Inc., a wealth and business management company that empowers individuals in their financial, investment, and retirement planning; WealthBridge Real Estate, development company acquiring a portfolio of properties; The Cabinet and Stone Factory, a residential and commercial remodeling and renovation construction firm; and Pacific West Import and Export, an import and export merchant company.

But that’s not all.

He’s also a commander for the Hawaii Army National Guard and previously an intelligence officer.

To boot, David is a former pastor and ministry leader at his church.

And since November, David has been elected to direct the strategy of the Republican Party in Hawaii.

Two years before being elected chairman of the Hawaii GOP (Grand Old Party), David attended two Leadership Institute Activist Schools in Honolulu.

“I was a first-time candidate and was very impressed with the depth of knowledge and experience that you offered. I remember the Leesburg Grid very well, and especially the fundraising tips and the best way to conduct grassroots operations,” David told the Leadership Institute.

Though he lost his first election, it didn’t keep David from running another campaign, and being a “creator” of opportunity.

“The Leadership Institute provides a strong framework for starting your campaign or tightening up your operations,” David said. “The best candidates don’t necessarily win, but the best campaign generally does.
LI provided the structure I needed for
a well-run campaign.”

LI’s October 2009 activists trainings, which David attended brought, more than 125 conservative political activists from Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island
for a week-long series of grassroots training sessions designed to help attendees be more effective in communication, fundraising, and political organizing.

Several attendees were current and former state elected officials, including candidates for the office of U.S. Congress and the Lt. Governor of Hawaii. Local business owners and the heads of several public policy organizations also attended.

“It’s great to see the conservatives we’ve trained take on leadership roles throughout the country and in Hawaii,” LI’s Senior Director of Domestic and International Programs Robert Arnakis said.

Hawaii Republican Party Executive Director Nacia Blom took the activist trainings in October 2009 when David did as well as LI’s Broadcast Journalism School in November 2009 and Public Speaking Workshop in September 2010.

In addition to David’s business and political responsibilities, he’s active in his community.

He is on the board of directors for the Builders Industry Association of Hawaii and the Association of Christian Conferences and Teaching Services. He is the past chair for the Young Professional Program for the Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Financial Planning Association, the Lion’s Club International, The Rotary Club, and Toastmasters.

David graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a B.S. in economics and computer science and went on to receive a M.A. in political science from the University of Hawaii and a master’s degree in theological studies from Covenant Theological Seminary.

“I highly recommend that anyone thinking of running for office, incumbents, or people wanting to help another candidate attend LI’s workshops. It provides invaluable strategies and tips to run a strong campaign,” David said.

LI offers training in all 50 states and dozens of countries each year. Please go here to register for an already-scheduled training or contact LI to request training in your area.

David joins more than 107,000 graduates trained by the Leadership Institute since 1979. Please welcome him as LI’s Graduate of the Week.

To nominate a Leadership Institute graduate to be featured as LI's graduate of the week, please contact LI's External Affairs Officer Lauren Hart at LaurenHart@LeadershipInstitute.org.

The Leadership Institute does not oppose or support any candidate, official, or legislation and all programs are open to the public.

The Leadership Institute is a non-partisan educational organization approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a public foundation operating under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code. The Leadership Institute does not endorse, support, or oppose candidates or proposed legislation. The Institute has an open admissions policy; all programs are open to the public. Contributions to the Leadership Institute by individuals, corporations, and foundations are tax deductible.